Is the Xbox Series S worth it over the Series X?

If you play at 1080p or 1440p on a smaller TV and download your games, the Series S covers the same library for far less. Choose the Series X if you want 4K, a disc drive or more built-in storage.

Does the Xbox Series S play disc games?

No. It is all-digital, so games must be bought and downloaded from the Microsoft Store or played through Game Pass.

How much storage does the Xbox Series S have?

It ships with a 512 GB SSD, of which roughly 364 GB is usable. You can add a Seagate or Western Digital expansion card for more space.

What resolution and frame rate does the Xbox Series S target?

It targets 1440p at up to 120 fps, with many games running at 1080p. It does not output 4K for games.

What comes in the box?

The console, one white Xbox wireless controller, an HDMI cable and a power cord.

Can the Xbox Series S stand upright?

Yes. It has a flat base and vents arranged so it can sit vertically or horizontally.

Where is the Xbox Series S cheapest?

At Walmart, for $496.80, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Xbox Series S?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 11 ratings.

Where can I buy the Xbox Series S?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Abt Electronics, Target, Newegg.

Series S

Xbox Series S

Best price now

$496.80at WalmartChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Series S

Xbox Series S

Best price now

$496.80at WalmartChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $496.80 at Walmart (checked Nov 14, 2026).
Checked at 5 stores.

Our take on the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is Microsoft's all-digital, compact Xbox console. It plays the same current-generation library as the Series X, including Game Pass titles, but targets 1440p and up to 120 fps rather than 4K. It suits budget-minded and secondary-room players who download their games and want fast load times from the SSD. Against the Series X it gives up the disc drive, 4K output and some raw power, but it is far smaller and quieter in use.

Best forBudget-conscious first-time console buyersSecond console for a bedroom or spare TVGame Pass subscribers who play digital onlySmall spaces and travel-friendly setups

Pros

Plays the full current Xbox library, including Game Pass
Quick Resume and fast SSD load times
Very small footprint for a console
Runs quietly and cool in most games
Supports up to 120 fps on compatible displays

Cons

No disc drive, so physical games and Blu-ray are out
Targets 1440p, not 4K, and some games drop below that
Only about 364 GB of usable storage
Expanding storage needs the pricey proprietary card
Less powerful than the Series X for the same games

Xbox Series S prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Hooray StoreReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$496.80Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Walmart
Best BuyNew
In stock
$499.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Best Buy
Abt ElectronicsNew
In stock
$499.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Abt Electronics
TargetNew
In stock
$499.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Target
NeweggNew
In stock
$509.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Xbox Series S price history

Lowest price we've seen: $499.99 on Nov 15 at Best Buy. Tracked across 4 stores since Nov 15.

What reviewers say

5 / 511 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a compact, quiet entry into current Xbox gaming. They praise Game Pass value and fast loading, and accept the lower resolution and small storage as the trade-offs.

What people mention

SizePraisedOwners like how little space it takes up and how easily it fits on a shelf or beside a TV.
NoisePraisedReviewers say it runs quietly even during long sessions.
StorageCriticisedThe usable space is small, and owners say a few large games fill it, pushing them to buy the expansion card.
PerformanceMixedGames load fast and run smoothly at 1080p, but reviewers note some titles render below 1440p and lack 4K output.
Disc driveCriticisedBuyers who still use physical games or Blu-ray miss the drive the Series X has.
Game PassPraisedOwners see the all-digital design as a natural fit for Game Pass and its rotating library.

About the Xbox Series S

Xbox Series S is a video game console from Xbox. This version is white.

Color: White
Type: Xbox console

Specifications

color: WhiteSource

Questions and answers

Is the Xbox Series S worth it over the Series X?: If you play at 1080p or 1440p on a smaller TV and download your games, the Series S covers the same library for far less. Choose the Series X if you want 4K, a disc drive or more built-in storage.
Does the Xbox Series S play disc games?: No. It is all-digital, so games must be bought and downloaded from the Microsoft Store or played through Game Pass.
How much storage does the Xbox Series S have?: It ships with a 512 GB SSD, of which roughly 364 GB is usable. You can add a Seagate or Western Digital expansion card for more space.
What resolution and frame rate does the Xbox Series S target?: It targets 1440p at up to 120 fps, with many games running at 1080p. It does not output 4K for games.
What comes in the box?: The console, one white Xbox wireless controller, an HDMI cable and a power cord.
Can the Xbox Series S stand upright?: Yes. It has a flat base and vents arranged so it can sit vertically or horizontally.
Where is the Xbox Series S cheapest?: At Walmart, for $496.80, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Xbox Series S?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 11 ratings.
Where can I buy the Xbox Series S?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Abt Electronics, Target, Newegg.